What I Watched, What You Watched: Installment #8
Winding Refn and Craven fill the slate...
It looks like I had a slow week since six of these choices are grouped into two spots, but there's a reason for all that as I will detail below.
As always, remember you can keep tabs on my personal Netflix queue right here. Now, here's the recap of my week in movies…
| Shocker (1989), Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) and The People Under the Stairs (1991) |
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| QUICK THOUGHTS: I watched these three Wes Craven features as they will be released on September 15 in a three-movie Wes Craven Collection, which you can buy at Amazon right now for only $15.49. Are they greatest of films? Nope, and The Serpent and the Rainbow is probably my least favorite of the bunch as I never get too into movies involving any kind of voodoo or hoodoo stuff. However, both Shocker and The People Under the Stairs were so wildly stupid I managed to have a lot of fun with them. Just trying to explain Shocker to people, which stars a 25-year-old Peter Berg is comical enough on its own. Seriously, watch Shocker and then try to give a blow-by-blow recap to someone. It's impossible, but makes you want to share the experience with others… "and then he sets up a camcorder and they do battle on all the television stations!" What!?!?! | |
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| The Pusher Trilogy (1996, 2004, 2005) |
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| QUICK THOUGHTS: I watched this trilogy just so I was a little familiar with writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn in preparation for the next film I watched this week. On top of that, I'd had these three films in my Netflix Instant Queue for some time just because I had heard from others how much they liked them. While none of these three films were able to have any kind of serious impression on me, I will say they build to one hell of a crescendo and despite being a three-film trilogy they do a good job of leaving room for audience interpretation as to how it all ends. Both Pusher II and III focus on characters introduced in the original film, but the main character changes from film-to-film. What also changes is an elevation in graphic violence with Pusher III taking the idea of gutting a human being to the most literal and gruesome of instances. The third film is definitely the crowning achievement in my view as it manages to create a mildly sympathetic character out of a man we have seen in two films to this point be nothing more than a ruthless drug lord. On top of that, it is the most original of the three as both the first and second films are damn near carbon copies with a slight variation here and there, but still to the point all three films deal with someone being in debt to someone else and the shit needs to be resolved. The third film focuses on this angle the least while creating complex characters, easily making it the best of the bunch, but it still would have been nothing without the previous two… So go figure. | |
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| Bronson (2009) |
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| QUICK THOUGHTS: So here's the reason I watched the Pusher trilogy and I am going to keep it brief as I will post an official review once this one makes its way to theaters this October, but I was sent a screener and had been anticipating seeing this film after hearing plenty of good things from festival reviews and it lives up to the advanced buzz. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, who co-wrote the film with Brock Norman Brock, the film focuses on Michael Peterson, a man who changed his name to Charles Bronson (his "fighting name" as he refers to it) and is known as the most violent prisoner in Britain. While Refn's direction is enjoyable, it is Tom Hardy's performance as Bronson that is so addictive. I watched this film twice on Saturday and the story of this psychotic criminal is interesting enough, but Hardy's performance turns it into a comedically tragic film you won't soon forget. Bronson has served 34 years in prison, 30 of them in solitary, and as he says in the film, he "ain't killed no one – no joking – not a soul. Ever!" So how did he earn his time? You have to see it to fully understand. Get more information on this one right here. I have attached the trailer directly below. If you're wondering who Tom Hardy is, he was Handsome Bob in RocknRolla and has a role in Chris Nolan's next film, Inception. | |
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There you have it. Now share your weekly recaps and weigh in with any thoughts you may have on the films I saw. And remember to connect with my Netflix queue by clicking here, I have already added several titles from those that have already linked up.
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Saw CRYING GAME…grt movie…
1) Goodbye Solo – B
I watched this one after a glowing profile of the director by Ebert. Suffice to say, the movie did not disappoint. The movie, though shot at a leisurely pace, with a seemingly meagre plot, somehow involved me and engrossed me from shot to shot, building anticipation to the climax, which, in it's unique simplicity, just about rounded off the story. The movie doesn't have any drawbacks as such, but the characters, in their diametrical opposite-ness do not stay with you for long after. Also, given the content and treatment, I'm not sure I will revisit this anytime soon. Having said that, it's definitely worth a watch.
2) Management – B-
Jennifer Aniston needs to do something about her hair in this movie. Having said that, Steve Zahn is actually surprisingly endearing, and his puppy dog affection for Aniston, and their unique chemistry, and the subliminal indications to his aching loneliness raise this movie from a boring romantic comedy to a mostly tolerable drama. About twenty minutes and Woody Harrelson seem to hold it back though. Also, Aniston deserves kudos for not trying to be the Prom Queen for once. She underplays her part quite well, indicating that if only people wrote better parts for her, she could be a dramatic actress of some standing.
3) In the Loop – A
And finally I watched it. I've been following this website for quite a while, and I was eagerly waiting for the moment I could lay my hands on this one. And it didn't disappoint. Whilst like most British comedy, there weren't too many laugh out loud moments, when they arrived, they did push me off the chair. I absolutely loved the end, where the wall of the constituency, (which I till then thought to be an unnecessary plot-inclusion) arrived at fruition.
4) The Brothers Bloom – A-
For those that didn't like this film, I have only one question: Rachel Weisz? Did you see her? Did you feel that? How could you not like the movie? Okay, that's many more than three questions, but the emphasis is still the same. I'm afraid I'm overstating her importance though, Rian Johnson wrote a fantastic (IMHO) screenplay, brought together (again, IMHO) the best ensemble cast I've seen in a long time, incorporated gorgeous locations, and filmed a fantastic movie. I do agree with those that have reservations about the transformation of the characters from the first half to the second, but I like to think that it was his subtle transformation of his players from perpetrating the con, to being a part of it. From being the role writers to playing the roles. And what I love most about it is the dramatic extent he uses, it is such a perfect representation of theatrics, without seeming over the top. To my mind, that's what the movies are all about.
5) Brick – A
I'm really beginning to like Joseph Gordon Levitt as an actor. In fact, I very recently watched Third Rock From the Sun in continuation, but in this movie, he is so far removed from Tommy that it's quite frankly astounding. Again, when the movie started, I didn't expect the character to turn out the way it did, but I think that's to Johnson's credit. The cinematography of this film (IMHO) was very exact, and added a lot to the finished product, and I really think that the soundtrack was just perfect.
6) Dazed and Confused – B+
I've had a great week in terms of the movies I've been lucky enough to watch (lousy otherwise). Dazed and Confused is just such an awesome way to end this list. There isn't that much to say about this movie, but there's something, that inexplicable quality that separates a teen comedy that you forget next month from one that becomes a cult status. That something, I feel, is what is so completely filled in this movie. Whether the hazing rituals, or the anti-establishment feeling, or the general wandering, this is one more fantastically entertaining movie from one of the (IMHO) most original of contemporary film makers. And most of all, it re-emphasizes the basis of Linklater's school of cinema: great, honest dialogue makes a great movie.
Spent too much money in July at Barnes & Noble – all Criterion DVDs were 50% off.
Now it's time to start watching them.
Fritz Lang's 'M' was terrific, but the thing that struck me was how Peter Lorre's performance in the final 'trial' scene was obviously a huge inspiration for Andy Serkis (and Peter Jackson) as Gollum in the 'Lord of the Rings' movies. As always with Criterion, the extras were as interesting as the film. Director Lang (in a 1975 interview) talks about meeting Joseph Goebbels and then leaving Germany. Even if the details are untrue (as some claim) the storytelling is brilliant.
Also this week, Criterion's 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' a typically bleak 60s look at the Cold War. I haven't seen many of Richard Burton's performances, and was one of the more subtle, restrained parts for him (I usually picture him bellowing at other actors or hamming up for the camera in period costume dramas or Shakespeare). On this title, I think I'm enjoying the extras more than the film itself. A good interview with author John le Carre, a BBC documentary on John le Carre, but the episode of 'Acting in the 60s' from 1967 was the best. Richard Burton and critic Kenneth Tynan chain-smoke for 37 minutes, occaisionally stopping to discuss Burton's career on stage and in film. Knowing only his reputation as a heavy drinker and his tumultuous relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, Burton revealed more of himself and his personality here than I could have learned from a dozen books. Great stuff.
Also (not Criterion), rewatched Aliens (week before was The Abyss) in anticipation of James Cameron's Avatar.
This week I may try 'The Leopard' or some of the lesser-known Kurosawa films.
-Matt B.
I watched Untraceable and Ed Wood. Ed Wood was great!
I've always had a particular fondness for The Serpent and the Rainbow. For some reason, I can remember seeing The Shocker poster when I was young at a Blockbuster and that poster always freaked me out.
@Aaditya: If you have the nerve, you really should see Joseph Gordon Levitt in "Mysterious Skin." I guarantee you, you will never see him as that boy from "3rd Rock from the Sun" again.
Watched "Lars and the Real Girl" – A
Been holding off for quite a while thinking people were nuts to make a film about a full grown man and his relationship with a life size sex doll, and crazy audiences thinking it was endearing. But everyone who praises this film for its unique, touching sensitivity was correct. The story about a fragile man and the road he takes to break away from stunted emotional growth, his courage and painful awkwardness, is wrenching. Paul Schneider, in addition, as Lars' brother was terrific.
Rewatched "Finding Forrester" – B+
This film is a bit predictable and formulaic and I've always questioned the casting of Sean Connery. Sean Connery has the same condition that George Clooney seems to have. He is always Sean Connery. You can dress him up or down. You can put him a NY walkup or deep within a ship. But I still just see Sean Connery. Be that as it may, Rob Brown stoled this show in his first theatrical performance as the teenage prodigy. His quiet face, his underplayed intensity…he is just fabulous. I could watch him over and over in this role. In addition, Anna Paquin has a supporting part.
@ABHISHEK-THE OSCAR MANIAC: Crying Game was a strange movie!
@Patricia: Mysterious Skin was even stranger! Loved JGL in 500 Days of Summer!
@Patricia: I have watched Mysterious Skin, albeit a while ago. Again, that's what I like about Gordon-Levitt. Every time I watch him in a movie, he's the character, not himself. He avoids, so craftily, what you call the George Clooney syndrome that so many actors seem to fall prey to(Cary Grant was another actor who just did the same Cary Grant in every role, but I digress..). Of course, I haven't watched (and don't plan to) GIJoe, but in every other film of his I've seen (only Stop-Loss and Havoc besides these two), he's managed to mould himself into the skin of the character very completely, so that even if you don't particularly care for the film (as I didn't Havoc), you have to appreciate the effort of the actor. 'nuff praising though.
I LOVED Emily Mortimer in Lars and the Real Girl, even though I steadfastly refuse to believe such a warm person could be real. I loved the movie as well.
Surprisingly enough, Finding Forrester is both my LEAST favorite Van Sant film, and my least favourite of the teacher student genre. Something about it seemed too pretentious. I even liked The Ron Clark Story more.
@Aaditya: That's funny, you mentioning, Cary Grant because I agree with you, he orginated the syndrome. But not until after "Bringing Up Baby." After that he was always his earlier "Topper" character to one extent or the other. I recommend "Bringing Up Baby" to anyone who hasn't seen it. He and Kathyrn Hepburn hit it out of the park.
As for Joseph Gordon-Levitt: here's my granddaughter typing. ME: Who are grandma's two darlings? HER: Joe Gordon Levitt and Seth Green.
Joe is a chameleon, no doubt. Absolutely inhabits everyone of his characters and disappears into them. Love, love, love "The Lookout." And I've praised "500 Days of Summer" on an earlier post. Did you see the video he and Zooey made for the film? (BTW, my secret infatuation with Seth Green revolves around "Robot Chicken" and his earlier work.)
@Patricia: You just gave me three movies to add to my list. Sadly, in India, they release movies like GIJoe simultaneously but smaller movies like 500 Days of Summer (if at all), find distributors too late. So that one 'm gonna have to look forward to on DVD. But 'm queuing up Bringing Up Baby and The Lookout as we speak. Hopefully, this will be another good week for me at the movies. Incidentally, in case you're into recommendations, Ryan Gosling has ne'er given a performance as good as his turn in Half Nelson, but 'm guessing, with the nomination and all, you've probably already seen it.
I haven't seen the video for the movie. Seen the trailer and heard the soundtrack though.
I used to like Seth Green when he was geeked out in the Italian Job et al! Something about him started bugging me after seeing him on Entourage though (don't even want to go to Sex Drive). That was probably the worst guest role written for the series. I mean, worse even than hyped up Scorcese turn. I haven't seen Robot Chicken.
9/6-9/12:
Flame & Citron – B-
The Informant! – A
9 – C
The Ice Harvest (rewatch) – A
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II (rewatch) – B-
Blue Velvet (rewatch) – B-
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (rewatch) – C-
TMNT (rewatch) – A-
Speed Racer (rewatch) – A+
The Dark Knight (rewatch) – A+
@Aaditya: Sometimes I forget the range of the internet and think I'm talking to someone down the street. Isn't it a thing of wonder?
No, haven't seen "Half Nelson." Yes, he looks powerful in the trailer and no doubt he is. I loved him in "Stay." (But hated, hated "The Notebook" and every falsely overbaked, sentimental thing about it.) But back to "Half Nelson," I'm a teacher and the thought that the hollywood system seems to think that an addict could be a good teacher , that it would just play into deep background like whether or not you're married, etc., and that it would be incidental that he uses one of his students as a runner for his drug supplier! Just pure fairly land crap. CAN NOT WATCH IT.
When I was in high school, my film and lit teacher showed us "The People Under the Stairs" and "The Serpent and the Rainbow." The latter was pretty good, while "People" was pretty bad, if stylishly made. But Wes Craven's "The Last House on the Left" is his masterpiece. I still need to see the Scream movies and "Nightmare on Elm Street," though.
@Scott: An "A" for Informant eh? I enjoyed it, but nowhere near that level. I also rewatched about 40 minutes of The Dark Knight, but got tired and went to bed so I left it off.
Saw 9. Not bad, but not great.
Children of Men: A- Fucking love this film, Prehaps because it feels more relevant now than it did a few years ago when it came out. This cautionary tale of a world we are headed towards is one of the most bleakly optimistic and up-lifiting features I have ever seen. It is a great piece of science-fiction that works on a number of levels. It works, as a fast paced action-thriller, a character study about finding hope, and even to an extent, a minor love story. By breaking away from the conventions of tentpole sci-fi, Children of Men is a film of its own that will hopefully find an audience that it deserves.
I've been anticipating Bronson for so long, but it still hasn't opened up anywhere near me…
I watched Born on the Fourth of July last night and Cruise is absolutely unbelievable. I think it might even eclipse his work in The Last Samurai, it is an amazing performance.
Slow week for me:
The Da Vinci Code – 5/10 – Had to finally breakdown and see it, Angels & Demons is more entertaining, if nothing else.
Gangs of New York (rewatch) – 8/10 – I really like this film, DiCaprio and Day-Lewis are both superb but it does just lack that little something that would make it an absolute classic.
Any Given Sunday (rewatch) – 8/10 – Good cast and easily the best directed American football film in my opinion.
The Lucky Ones – 6/10 – Surprised this was from the writer/director of The Illusionist, a likeable cast but the film lacked originality.
(500) Days of Summer – 8/10 – A really charming and enjoyable film. Unconventional but all the better for it.
I echo the earlier comments about Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the diversity of characters he plays and how he inhabits each role can only be rivalled in his generation by Ryan Gosling. I'm not sure I will ever watch Mysterious Skin for a second time but Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance in that film is one of the most powerful I have seen.
Sin City (rewatch) – Always nice mindless fun
The Matrix (rewatch) – Visuals still blow me away
Season 1 of Eastbound & Down – Great at times, but more hit or miss than I was expecting.
Good Will Hunting (rewatch) – Will always love his one
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – Was really disappointed by this. I've had it in my Netflix for a really long time and finally got to it. Beautifully shot and acted, but overall it just didn't do it for me.
Whiteout – GOD. AWFUL.
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs – Actually pretty good one. Quite a few moments of real laughs. Tesla poster had me rolling. But the 3-D was completely unnecessary and did almost nothing to add to the storytelling.
This week wasn't a great movie week. I'm getting less and less interested in the movies released in theaters. So I decided to visit some of my childhood cartoons in Justice League. Saw most of seasons 3-5. Ya there's formula (intrigue, fight, intrigue, fight) to cartoons, but it's still enjoyable. Batman is still my favorite, even if he has no powers, he can still kick everyone's ass with his intellect.
This week, watched:
An Education
Jennifer's Body
Broken Embraces
Up In The Air
A Serious Man
The Trotsky
Whip It!
And can give more info if Brad thinks it is ok….. Brad?
Watched some really good movies this week, and a couple decent ones. Here we go:
9: A- (Don't care what anyone says, I LOVED this movie. One of the best animated ones of the year. While Up may technically be a better film, I think I enjoyed 9 better.)
Broken Arrow: B (I love John Woo, and it's because of his stylistic excesses rather than in spite of them. Also Travolta and Slater are both enjoyable, and have some great back and forth moments.)
American History X: A- (Edward Norton gives a magnificent performance, with a great supporting cast to back him up, making the movie gripping, powerful and tragic.)
Whiteout: B-/C+ (What can I say. No, it wasn't great by any means. The story had promise, it just was poorly executed. But, I guess I am just a sucker for what is essentially CSI in Antarctica. Also, Kate Beckinsale is always worth watching.)
Moon: A (Just saw this one. Sam Rockwell gives a Oscar-worthy performance in this thoroughly creative film that proves to be entertaining, innovative, and emotional. Kevin Spacey is also great as the voice of GERTY.)
I watched American History X. It's a preachy movie about racism, skinheads and redemption. 8/10.
Earth – the documentary about how the animals survive a changing planet. 8.5/10
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – I refused to see this film at Oscar time last year. It was boring version of Forrest Gump, which is not sayin much. 4/10
In the Loop – It is a hilarious, satirical look at politics where a bunch of idiots are in charge. 8.5/10
The Notorious Newman Brothers – A screener I recieved from one of the actor/producers of the film. It's described as This Is Spinal Tap meet The Sopranos. I agree with the first part of that statment. 7/10